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DeShields turns to Fowler for outfield advice

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Top Prospects: DeShields, HOU 0:58

2014 MLB.com Top Prospects: Delino DeShields has a compact swing and shows the ability to make adjustments at the plate

By Brian McTaggart
/
MLB.com |

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Considering he's returning to center field after spending four years playing second base in the Astros system, Delino DeShields Jr. has been leaning heavily this spring on veteran center fielder Dexter Fowler, who has a locker next to DeShields.

DeShields, who played center field in high school, said it all comes down to positioning.

"As you go up, everybody gets a little stronger," DeShields said. "[Fowler] just really helps me out with my positioning in the outfield and knowing where I'm supposed to be and being a leader and being a communicator and letting people know where to be at all times."

Fowler said the speedy DeShields has enough ability to be a solid center fielder.

"He has to take a deep breath and let his ability take over," Fowler said. "The guy has crazy ability, and [it's] just getting him thinking the right way, that it's different in the infield than playing in the outfield. If he gets his positioning correctly, he'll be fine."

DeShields got reacquainted with center field in the Arizona Fall League and says he's pretty comfortable.

"I can say I need more work -- everybody needs more work -- but as far as right now, I feel pretty good out there," DeShields said.